Sunday, September 27, 2009

The Bay of Pigs Invasion was an unsuccessful attempt by a CIA-trained force of Cuban exiles to invade Cuba with support from US government armed forces. The objective was the overthrow of the Cuban government of Fidel Castro. The plan, which was authorised by outgoing US President Eisenhower, was launched in the Spring of 1961, shortly after John F. Kennedy had assumed the US Presidency. The Cuban armed forces, trained and equipped by the Soviet Union, defeated the invasion force in three days. Relations between the USA and Cuba later went 'from bad to worse' during the critical Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. The failed invasion has also been linked to the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963. The astrological dynamics are clearly seen in the SAMVA USA chart (Perpetual Union).

Historical backgroundIn 1959, during the Cold War between the USA and the Soviet Union, Fidel Castro took power in Cuba in an armed revolutionary overthrow of the Batista regime, which was closely aligned with Washington. Castro’s success owed to the financial and military support of the Soviet Union.

On March 16, 1960, US President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered the CIA to use their elite Special Activities Division to equip, train and lead Cuban exiles in an amphibious invasion of Cuba, to overthrow the new Cuban government of Fidel Castro. The CIA helped Cuban exiles in Miami to create the Cuban Revolutionary Council (CRC), chaired by José Miró Cardona, former Prime Minister of Cuba (Jan 1959). Cardona became the de facto leader-in-waiting of the intended post-invasion Cuban government.[1]

During the night of 14/15 April, a diversionary landing was planned near Baracoa, Oriente Province, by about 164 Cuban exiles commanded by Higinio 'Nino' Diaz. Their mother ship, named 'La Playa' or 'Santa Ana', had sailed from Key West under a Costa Rican ensign. Several US Navy destroyers were stationed offshore near Guantanamo Bay to give the appearance of an impending invasion fleet. The reconnaissance boats turned back to the ship after detecting activities by Cuban militia forces along the coastline.

The actual invasion began “at about 00.00 on April 17” with a force of 1500 Cuban exiles led by two CIA operatives. The defeated exile militias were airlifted late in the day on April 19th. The failed invasion severely embarrassed the Kennedy Administration and made Castro wary of future US intervention in Cuba. It has also been alleged that the failure of the US government to provide more military support doomed the invasion force of Cuban exiles, with the anger being directed at President Kennedy, possibly leading to a plot for his assassination. Another theory is that Kennedy ran afoul of the CIA due to his plan to break it up into smaller units in order to better control its undercover activities.[2]

Astrology of the eventThe Saturn major period and Venus sub-period were operating from February 1960. The Cold War in full swing, indicated by the major period of Saturn, from April 1953 to April 1972.

In the first half of 1961, transit Mars, as 10th lord of the executive government and the general indicator of the military, was badly placed in Gemini and 12th house of losses. Mars is natally strong in the SAMVA USA chart, in the sign Scorpio and 5th house, receiving an aspect from natal Moon as 1st lord of self. These placements imbue Americans with a pride in their military power. The transit of Mars in the 12th house, however, tends to weaken the indications of this planet, including a sense of courage and expose the military to losses.

Natally, the planet Rahu, indicator of deception and manipulation, is conjunct the most effective point of the 10th house, from where it also afflicts the 6th house of conflict and 2nd house of status. This aspect has been associated with numerous covertactions of a military nature sponsored by the US government around the world. As Rahu's influence is deceptive, its uncovering may result in a crisis and setbacks to the international status of the USA. But life is full of contradictions. At the same time, the strong Sun as 2nd lord of status and wealth is placed in the most effective point of the 7th house of foreign policy. This placement in the SAMVA USA chart reveals the generally positive and powerful influence of the USA in the world at large.

Importantly, transit Jupiter, as 6th lord of conflict, was conjunct natal Mercury as 3rd lord of initiatives where it would remain stationary during the summer of 1961. Mercury, placed at 12° Capricorn in the chart, is also the general indicator of intelligence, including military intelligence. At the time of Eisenhovers decision, transit debilitated Jupiter was also conjunct transit Saturn. Such periodic aspects between the 6th lord and 8th lord are classic indicators of violence in the national life of the USA. The influence of transit Jupiter in the chart at that time was to impel the US government to undertake a covert initiative to enter into a conflict with the objective to overthrow a government seen to be hostile.*

As Mars was in the house of losses, the initiative turned into a fiasco. Soon afterward, recrimminations began and a conflict developed over the failed initiative. It is of interest that prior to the invasion, both transit 6th lord Jupiter and transit Saturn, as 8th lord of obstacles, transited over natal Venus, as 4th lord of communal harmony. As natal Venus is badly placed in the 6th house, communal harmony in the USA is sensitive to matters pertaining to conflict, as the Vietnam and Iraq wars and the attacks on "Pearl Harbor" and "9/11" show. These transits could have aroused popular sentiment against Cuba's new communist government. .In authorising the invasion, President Eisenhover was likely yielding to strong pressure from the Cuban community in Florida to liberate Cuba by their own hand but with covert military support from the USA. The cosmic influences were not supportive of success in this case. Rather, the efforts failed, causing considerable strain in the Kennedy administration and the resignation of Allen Dulles, Head of the CIA, on November 29, 1961.[3]

Footnote*) Interestingly, in the autumn of 2009, transit Jupiter is debilitated and stationary conjunct the natal Sun as 2nd lord in the chart, while transit Mars, as 10th lord, is in the 12th house of losses. The War in Afghanistan is not going well at the present time. Meanwhile, transit 8th lord Saturn in Virgo, under the afflicting aspect of transit Rahu in Capricorn, is in aspect to natal Jupiter in Scorpio, while the 6th lord is also afflicted by transit Ketu in Cancer. These aspects also bring up concerns about the tense situation currently between Israel and Iran, which US President Obama is hoping to resolve through peaceful negotiation.

Friday, September 25, 2009

During 2009, the Russian and Chinese governments have publicly expressed grave concerns about risks to the international financial system from the issuance of enormous debt by the US government to shore up its financial system. In particular, the role of the US dollar as an international currency has been questioned. The Russians and Chinese have also suggested the creation of a truly global currency is needed to reduce risks and share more evenly the benefits of an international currency. Problems with regard to the debt of the US government have earlier been foreseen on the basis of the SAMVA USA chart (Perpetual Union). It has been suggested that while the situation is likely to place strains on e.g. the President of the USA, the dollar, interest rates on the debt and concerns for inflation, the situation will remain manageable.

A well known US investor, Julian Robertson, founder and chairman of Tiger Management, has now openly criticised the US government for becoming too dependent on Japan and China to finance the country's debt. Robertson accurately predicted in 2007 that the USA was in for a "Doozy of a recession". [1] He now thinks the present debt situation has put the US at risk of a severe economic crisis if these countries stop financing the USA.

"It's almost Armageddon if the Japanese and Chinese don't buy our debt...I don't know where we could get the money. I think we've let ourselves get in a terrible situation and I think we ought to try and get out of it...If the Chinese and Japanese stop buying our bonds, we could easily see [inflation] go to 15 to 20 percent.”

While Robertson also said he doesn’t think the Chinese will stop buying US bonds, the Japanese may eventually be forced to sell some of their long-term bonds. He also warned:

“That's much worse than not buying...The other thing is, they're buying almost exclusively short-term debt. And that's what we are offering, because we can't sell the long-term debt. And you know, the history has been that people who borrow short term really get burned...The only way to avoid the problem, he said, is to "grow and save our way out of it...The U.S. has to quit spending, cut back, start saving, and scale backward...Until that happens, I don't think we're anywhere near out of the woods.”

This is in line with the predictions earlier this year for strains this autumn over the increasing US debt, which could result in a drop in the dollar, rising interest rates on the debt or concerns over higher inflation.

PredictionsOn this blog it was predicted on December 31, 2008:"From September to November, transit Jupiter, as 6th lord of conflict, will be stationary at 23° Capricorn and the 7th house. In this degree, Jupiter is conjunct natal 2nd lord Sun of SAMVA USA chart. This placement will place a grave strain on the US President, and the wealth and status of the country. Concerns over terrorism or financial stability may reemerge, prompting changes in the US foreign or economic policy at that time. In October, transit Rahu will briefly afflict transit 8th lord Saturn, while transit Saturn and transit Ketu afflict natal Jupiter. These aspects are likely to briefly revive concerns over the economy." [2]

On March 29, 2009 the following was written:"When the government accumulates debts, tax payers must prepare to foot the bill through either higher taxes or inflation or reduced government services or transfers. Otherwise, the debts may become unsustainable. In the SAMVA USA chart, the astrological reasons, in terms of transit and period influences, of such adverse debt development are readily explained...In the autumn of 2009, US government debt is likely to register further increases and may reach high levels, albeit not as high as during the 1940s." [3]

On August 8, 2009 it was added that:"As for the transit station of Jupiter, we may note that in the case of the USA, Jupiter is 6th lord of conflict, financial (in)stability and health matters. This energy will place a strain on the 2nd house indications of wealth, status and relations with neighboring countries. As Sun is the general indicator of the leader of a country, the strain will also affect the US President and top leadership. Moreover, the Sun is quite strong in the SAMVA USA chart and transit afflictions thus normally produce a temporary strain rather than a setback." [4]

Saturday, September 19, 2009

The Roman Emperor Hadrian, was born Publius Aelius Hadrianus on 24 January 76 AD in Italica, Spain. He died on 10 July 138 AD in Baiae, Italy. He was emperor of Rome from 117 AD to 138 AD, as well as a Stoic and Epicurean philosopher. The famous Roman military fortification in England, Hadrian's Wall was erected during his reign and shows the reach of the Roman empire at that time. What is of interest for astrologers is that a pictorial representation of his horoscope survives and it is the same as the North Indian horoscope format.

The life of HadrianHadrian was from a well-established family which had originated in Picenum in Italy and had subsequently settled in Italica, Hispania Baetica, also known as the republican Hispania Ulterior, near the present day location of Seville, Spain. His predecessor Trajan was a maternal cousin of Hadrian's father. Trajan never officially designated a successor, but, according to his wife, Pompeia Plotina, Trajan named Hadrian emperor immediately before his death. Trajan's wife was well-disposed toward Hadrian: Hadrian may well have owed his succession to her.

Hadrian's presumed indebtedness to Plotina was widely regarded as the reason for Hadrian's succession. However, there is evidence that he accomplished his succession on his own governing and leadership merits while Trajan was still alive. For example, between the years AD 100–108 Trajan gave several public examples of his personal favour towards Hadrian, such as betrothing him to his grandniece, Vibia Sabina, designating him quaestor Imperatoris, comes Augusti, giving him Nerva's diamond "as hope of succession", proposing him for consul suffectus, and other gifts and distinctions. The young Hadrian was Trajan's only direct male family/marriage/bloodline. The support of Plotina and of Licinius Sura (died in AD 108) were nonetheless extremely important for Hadrian, already in this early epoch.[1]

Hadrian's horoscopeThe horoscope of Hadrian has survived in at least three manuscripts. The imperial horoscope came down to us from Hephestian of Thebes, who, in the fourth century AD excerpted it with some others from the collection of historical horoscopes compiled by Antigonus of Nicaea. According to ancient sources, the imperial horoscope was well studied by prominent authors who stated that "...Hadrian - whose horoscope is absolutely certain - surely was born in southern Spain.”[4]. A salient difference is that the Roman horoscope had the first house placed in the left-diamond, which would be consistent with the modern Western placement. The Greek symbol for Hora=Hour is in that quadrant. The house ordering the follows in a counter-clock manner. The delineation of the horoscope proceeds to discuss the Moon/Jupiter conjunction in Aquarius. Hadrian is reported to have been so expert as an astrologer as to have claimed he knew his own future.[5]

In the horoscope the sign Aquarius is seen in the left-diamond. Shortly after midnight on this day, the sign Scorpio rises. During the night Sagittarius then rises, followed by Capricorn. At 8 in the morning Aquarius is seen to be rising. What is interesting in this regard is the fact that the Moon is seen to have moved into the following sign of Pisces when Aquarius rises in the sidereal zodiac, but not in the tropical. If the astrologers cast their charts with tropical, the statement is correct but not if it was cast with sidereal, then the Aquarius ascendant becomes incompatible with the above statement. This suggests the calculation was done in tropical. In any event, the Roman horoscope was drawn in the same format as the North Indian chart, but with the ascendant in the left-diamond of the chart, as has then continued in the Western tradition.

ConclusionWhile the Roman astrologers drew their horoscopes in the same horoscopic format as Indian astrologers have done for millennia and still do today, they evidently placed their ascending sign on the left side of the chart, a tradition that has survived into modern times in the West. Nevertheless, it is shown that the Indian and Hellenic horoscopic traditions of astrology are linked, while important aspects of this tradition were lost to modern Western astrology as the living link to the Hellenistic tradition was severed during the dark ages. At least, what we know today is that after astrology was reformed in Europe in the late middle ages and then continued to develop, it became inconsistent with its ancient forerunners. The most vibrant link to the ancient Hellenistic astrology tradition in the modern age is the astrology of India. References[1] Hadrianhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadrian[2] Edmond H. Wollmann, “The Evolution of Mythological Symbolism in The Classical Greek and Roman Eras”, San Diego State University: Art in Greece and Rome, 2000.http://www.astroconsulting.com/FAQs/art_evolution_in_greece_and_rome.htm[3] F. H. Cramer, Astrology in Roman Law and Politics, Astrology in Rome from Nerva to Severus Alexander, page 164-65.[4] Alicia M. Canto, "Itálica, patria y ciudad natal de Adriano (31 textos históricos y argumentos contra Vita Hadr. 1, 3", Athenaeum vol. 92.2, 2004, pp. 367–408[5] Tamsyn Barton, “Ancient Astrology” (Sciences of Antiquity Series) (Paperback), Routledge (October 31, 1994).[6] The life of Hadrianhttp://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/aelius-hadrian.html

Sunday, September 13, 2009

The financial crisis that shook the world reached a turning point one year ago with the collapse of the major US investment bank, Lehman Brothers. It is worthwhile to review the crisis and its aftermath as well as the many predictions of the impending crisis and its evolution. Most of the predictions have come true, offering further support for the SAMVA USA chart (Perpetual Union) and the Systems' Approach methodology.

ReviewA lot has happened since then but most now agree that the 'panic and despair' that broke out on Wall Street on September 15, 2008 has been transformed into a 'veneer of normalcy' accompanied by a tentative view that we are slowly emerging from the crisis.[1] The financial crisis threatened the very foundation of a modern capitalist or market-based society. In October 2008, policy makers were compelled to present a united front, declaring that bank deposits would be guaranteed in order to calm the markets and stop the bank runs already underway. The policy makers also committed themselves to major liquidity injections into the crippled banking system to prevent its complete collapse. While major policy efforts helped to stem the economic downswing, huge fortunes were wiped out, unemployment rolls increased sharply and government treasuries sank deep into debt. The USA, Britain and a number of other countries were especially hard hit. While recent news on the economy are giving hope the worst is over, plenty of worries and risks remain.[2]

Accurate predictionsIt is also helpful to recall the numerous predictions made for the USA in advance of these events based on the SAMVA USA chart. These predictions have turned out to be accurate and to correctly reflect the nature and timing of the developments in the national life. Those who have followed the SAMVA discussion list on Yahoo over the past few years will know this. We must also keep in mind that the predictions were made based only on a reading of many afflicting aspects in the SAMVA USA chart. The events that might occur could otherwise not be seen in advance.

The most significant prediction was made on December 31, 2007 for a crisis in the fall of 2008 in the USA.[3][4] The wording of the prediction proved apt. A true crisis broke out. Further predictions made in early 2008 about a likely destruction of assets in late 2008 also came true.[5] A prediction at the opening of 2009 for further financial market troubles through February 2009 came true, as did a prediction for an improvement in the financial market from the spring of 2009.[6][7] Predictions for an improvement in the outlook for the US economy after the summer of 2009 have also proved correct.[8] The prediction of increasing US public debt in the autumn months with an associated weakening and volatility of the US dollar has already begun to come true.[9] The efficacy of the new USA chart based on the SA method is therefore all the more amazing to witness..Recent predictionsMore recently, predictions have been made concerning the likelihood of renewed volatility on financial markets in the fall of 2009, especially in the first half of October.[10]

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

A major part of early 19th century US history is the sad tale of abuse of non-white peoples by people of European origin. The abuse ranged from the forcible removal of native peoples from their ancestral homelands east of the Missisippi to lands west of it. There was also the continued practice of slavery, even after the importation of slaves became illegal in 1808. This was due to economic advantages of slavery to plantation farmers in the Southern states. With Westward expansion, many slave families were torn asunder due to the westward migration of their old or new owners. There was also systematic abuse of Chinese immigrants in the mid 19th century. In this article we examine the Systems' Approach astrology of the removal of the Indians.

Indian RemovalPrior to the 19th century, with some exceptions, the white settlers signed treaties with Indians mostly for the purpose of ending hostilities with them, drawing new territorial lines between them or to establish the exchange of land for money. As a result, the white settlers gradually encroached on the lands of the many small tribes, especially in the northern seaboard states of the USA. In the 19th century, the push for space became more one-sided and less just as the white man grew in strength. At the start of the nineteenth century a clear cut policy was adopted by the government of the United States to remove Native American tribes living east of the Mississippi River to lands west of the river. It is interesting that the Rahu major period began in 1799 and it lasted until 1817. During this time, the deceptive practice of pushing the indians off their lands took on a more sinister facade. Rahu is placed in the most effective point of the 10th house of the SAMVA USA chart and aspects the 2nd house of wealth and status, 4th house of land and natural resources and 6th house of conflict and health. As such, its periods and transits can inflict harm on these indications, as well as those touched in stationary (or slow moving) transit.

Indian Removal Act of 1830It was in the 1830s that the indian removals picked up pace. On May 26, 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed into law the Indian Removal Act. This law mandated the removal of the native peoples. The Jupiter major period and Mars sub-period was operating. The transit influences in the SAMVA USA chart on this bleak day were quite stunning in their maleficience. Transit 8th lord Saturn was conjunct the most effective point of the 1st house giving easy gains through an amoral deed, with Saturn also aspecting the natal 2nd lord Sun, suggesting the influence also affecting the leader of the country. In fact, it was President Jackson who became known for his cunning dealings with the Indians in order to remove them to open up space for the white settlers. In addition to the influence of Saturn, transit 6th lord Jupiter was conjunct natal 4th lord Venus in the 6th house. This aspect suggests that conflict over land issues or that conflict undermines the communal harmony. To add to the strain of the above, both natal Venus and transit Jupiter were under the aspect of functional malefic transit Rahu in the 2nd house, suggesting that manipulation was involved in this process, further undermining the communal harmony. Jupiter was also aspecting Rahu suggesting violence. With both malefic planets harming the ruler of land and natural resources, we can see the signature of a brutal grab for land.

Removal of five civilized tribesIn 1830, some of the "Five Civilized Tribes" — the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee — were still living east of the Mississippi, while others had already moved to the Native American Territory. They were called "civilized" because many tribesmen had adopted various aspects of European-American culture, including Christianity. The Cherokees had a system of writing their own language, developed by Sequoyah, and published a newspaper in Cherokee and English. In spite of this acculturation and acceptance of the law, the position of the tribes was not secure. Many white settlers and land speculators simply desired the land that was occupied by the tribes. Others believed that the presence of the tribes was a threat to peace and security, based on previous wars waged between the United States and Native Americans, some of whom had been armed by enemies of the United States, such as Great Britain and Spain.

Trail of TearsThe forcible removal of Native Americans in the United States from their homelands to Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma) in the Western United States has also been called the Trail of Tears. The largest indian removals occurred in the Southern states. They involved around 70,000 indians of which 10,000-15,000 died from illness and around 1,000 from hostilities while resisting removal. The five treaties involved were as follows:- 1830: Dancing Rabbit Creek Treaty, Choctaw indians (emigration from 1831 to 1836)- 1832: Cusseta Treaty, Creek indians (1834-1837), led to Second Creek War- 1832: Pontotoc Creek Treaty, Chickasaw indians (1837-1847)- 1832: Payne's Landing Treaty, Seminole indians (1832-1842), led to Second Seminole War- 1835: New Echota Treaty, Cherokee indians (1836-1838).The first four treaties took place during the dual malefic period of Jupiter-Rahu, highlighting manipulation motivated by strong desire to obtain something, even by unfair means. The Treaty of New Echota, which represented the most egregious violation of the stated intention of the removal policy took place under the Saturn-Saturn period. Even if this treaty was signed by a dissident faction of Cherokees but not the elected leadership, President Jackson rigidly enforced it. The removal resulted in the deaths of an estimated 4,000 Cherokees on the Trail of Tears. About 17,000 Cherokees, along with approximately 2,000 enslaved blacks held by Cherokees, were removed from their homes.

Indian warsThe Second Seminole War broke out in 1835 when the Seminoles refused to leave Florida. Also known as the Florida War, the conflict lasted to 1842. The most important leader in the war was Osceola, who led the Seminoles in their fight against removal. While based in the Everglades of Florida, Osceola and his band used surprise attacks to defeat the U.S. Army in many battles. The Dade Massacre took place on December 28, 1835 when Seminole fighters ambushed and killed 110 US soldiers. In 1837, Osceola was seized by deceit upon the orders of U.S. General T.S. Jesup when Osceola came under a flag of truce to negotiate peace. He died in prison. The Seminoles continued to fight. Some traveled deeper into the Everglades, while others moved west. The Second Creek War of 1836 was a conflict fought between the Creek people and land speculators and squatters in Alabama in 1836. These tragic wars broke out during the dual-malefic Saturn-Saturn period. It is estimated that the indian removal opened up 25 million acres to white settlers. As an 8th house influence, the new land certainly represented an 'easy gain' for the white settlers, but it was achieved in the wrong way. The mal-treatment of these peoples can not be undone, as the harm is done. However, looking forward we can use their memory as inspiration. Their existence and way of life lives on as a light to present and future generations; a reminder for us to ever seek to remove injustices from the national life.

EpilogueIt is noteworthy that during the first half of the 19th century, abuses of non-white peoples by the fast growing white population became a pronounced feature of national life in the United States. This is when the three malefic major periods ran consecutively in the 20° Cancer rising SAMVA USA chart. The major period of functional malefic Rahu ran from 1799 to 1816. The period of 6th lord Jupiter was in operation from 1816 to 1833 and the period of 8th lord Saturn ran from 1833 to 1852. It is no coincidence that such difficult incidents took place at that time. However, the cosmic pattern seen in the birth chart of the country also shows that the fight to abolish slavery picked up speed in the Mercury major period, involving as it did a bloody civil war to permanently expunge the evil practice from the national life. It is testament to the national character of Americans, that there arose a backlash against the injustices and slavery was abolished. The most prominent leader of the fight to free the slaves was Abraham Lincoln, who is now revered as the greatest President in the nations history. After more than two centuries of a constant struggle, all races now broadly enjoy equal rights. With Ketu afflicting the 4th house and 4th lord Venus badly placed in the 6th house, injustices and resultant lack of communal harmony are, however, likely to be a part of the national experience in one form or the other. Further efforts are therefore likely to be required to remove injustices. One such battle rages today; to limit the desire of large corporations for maximum profit in order to ensure that families with low incomes can also obtain basic health care.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

NASA's Apollo Program ran from 1960 to 1975. In May 1961 it was announced that the objective of the program was to land human beings on the Earth's moon and return them safely to the Earth before the end of the decade. This goal, set during the height of the Space Race with the Soviet Union, was accomplished on July 20, 1969. Six missions successfully landed on the Moon, with the last one taking place in December 1972. The missions to the Moon were ended in 1973 due to budget cutbacks. However, before the program was officially terminated there were four manned missions to the Skylab orbital space station, from May 1973 to July 1975, involving cooperation with the Soviet Union. As such, what began as a Space Race during the height of the the Cold War ended in peaceful cooperation as Détente, or easing of relations, was sought. This shift in foreign policy emphasis is clearly seen in the major periods of the SAMVA USA chart. This authentic horoscope for the USA is allowing us to examine US history at a fundamental or causative level.

Historical and astrological backgroundThe Apollo program was conceived during the Saturn major period in the SAMVA USA chart. Saturn is 8th lord of obstacles and endings. This period lasted from April 19, 1953 to April 19, 1972 and can be characterized as the peak of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. The Cold War (1945–1991) was the continuing state of political conflict, military tension, and economic competition existing after World War II (1939–1945), between the USSR and its satellite states, and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States.[1] During this period, technical and economic competition to a large extent replaced direct conflict between the major parties..During the onset of the Cold War, the SAMVA USA chart was running the Jupiter major period from April 19, 1937 to April 19, 1953. As Jupiter is 6th lord in the chart, it rules over conflict and is placed in the 5th house of creativity. Moreover, as Jupiter mutually aspects the Moon as 1st lord of self located in the 11th house of ideals, the USA will never back down from a challenge. WW II is generally considered to have been a just war, with the USA fighting against the evils of totalitarianism, both Nazi fascism and Soviet Communism. Although the military forces of the primary participants in the Cold War never officially clashed directly, the conflict was expressed through military coalitions, strategic conventional force deployments, a nuclear arms race, espionage, proxy wars, propaganda, and technological competition, e.g. the space race.[1] During the Saturn period the US fought in increasingly unpopular wars in the Korean War (June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953) and Vietnam War (August 7, 1964 – April 30, 1975). In October 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis broke out as a confrontation between the United States, the Soviet Union over Soviet missiles in Cuba. A sense of total destruction in a nuclear war pervaded the USA during the Cold War period. It was this sense of “mutually assured destruction” that led to reforms in relations with the Soviets and Chinese in the Mercury major period, from April 19, 1972 to April 19, 1989, which resulted in the fall of Soviet communism.

In relation to the Saturn period and the lunar landings, we should note the aspect of Saturn to Sun as 2nd lord of status and wealth. This aspect gives an impetus to gain status and legitimacy through death-defying acts. As a side note, it it interesting that the huge missile carrying the astronauts into space was called the Saturn rocket.

Planning stage (early 1960- early 1966)The Apollo program was conceived early in 1960, during the Dwight Eisenhower administration, as a follow-up to America's Mercury program. While the Mercury capsule could only support one astronaut on a limited earth orbital mission, the Apollo spacecraft was to be able to carry three astronauts on a circumlunar flight and perhaps even on a lunar landing. While NASA went ahead with planning for Apollo, funding for the program was far from certain, particularly given Eisenhower's equivocal attitude to manned spaceflight. In November 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected President after a campaign that promised American superiority over the Soviet Union in the fields of space exploration and missile defense. On April 12, 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person to fly in space, reinforcing American fears about being left behind in a technological competition with the Soviet Union. After considerable prevarication, the Decision to go to the Moon was announced by President John F. Kennedy on May 25, 1961 in a speech before a Joint Session of Congress:

“First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important in the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish.[2]”

Astrology of Kennedy's speechThe Saturn-Venus period was operating, emphasising the importance of communal harmony, undermined by the serious conflict with the Soviets. Transit Venus at 28° Pisces was exalted in the 9th house, which suggests a higher purpose for this sense of collective harmony. The prominent placement of Mars, the planet of courage and technical ability, is important for such events. In this regard we can note that transit 10th lord Mars at 17° Cancer was conjunct the most effective point (MEP) of the 1st house, placing this issue into the forefront. Moreover, transit Sun as 2nd lord of status and the leader was in exact opposition to natal Mars, reflecting the Presidential call for this unrivaled human technical achievement, but also rallying American's around their strengths which have enabled them in their history to push forward and master their environment. Sun Transit Mars was also opposite transit 6th lord Jupiter at 13° 50’ Capricorn and 7th house, signifying the competitive aspect of the enterprise. While both Mars and Jupiter were debilitated in transit, they were well placed and influencing also Mercury as 3rd lord of inititive at 12° 05’ Capricorn. Moreover, Jupiter was natally aspecting 1st lord Moon in the 3rd house, linking the competitive situation to the sense of self. We must in this regard, recall that at this time the USA was at a disadvantage in the Space Race and was trying to boost its fortunes in the wider context of the Cold War.

Astrology of the planning phaseThe planning efforts in the years that followed were associated with phenomenal advances in space technology. These advances took place during the sub-periods of strong planets, the Sun, Moon and Mars, in the chart. The results of these advances became clear in the following years. However, the risks were also real and phenomenal in the Saturn major period. Moreover, the most dangerous phase of the program took place during the Saturn-Rahu period, a dual malefic period, which ran from December 1, 1966 to October 7, 1969. As Rahu natally afflicts the 10th, 2nd, 4th and 6th houses, this sub-period carried with it the greatest risks during the Apollo program. The Saturn-Jupiter period, which ran from October 7, 1969 to April 19, 1972, was also risky, but less so.

Unmanned space flights (February 26, 1966 – April 4, 1968)From February 26 - August 25, 1966, there were three successful unmanned test flights. The first manned space flight was scheduled to take place with Apollo 1 on February 21, 1967. On January 27, 1967, however, the crew died when a fire broke out in the cockpit of their spacecraft. From November 9, 1967 to April 4, 1968 there were three more successful unmanned flights. The transit and period influences during the tragedy of Apollo 1 has been well explained in terms of the SAMVA USA chart.

Manned space flights (October 11, 1968-May 26, 1969)During October 11-22, 1968, Apollo 7 was the first launch of a manned Apollo spacecraft into Earth orbit. During December 21-27, 1968 Apollo 8 was the first manned spacecraft to orbit the moon. From March 3-13, 1969 Apollo 9 was an Earth-orbit test of the Apollo command and lunar modules including rendezvous. From May 18-26, 1969 Apollo 10 performed the dress rehearsal for the moon landing. The achievements of these space flights reflect the strengths in the SAMVA USA chart, notably of 10th lord Mars and its aspect to 1st lord Moon, giving great fame for technical achievements based on human courage, as the pen-ultimate stage of the program showed..

Lunar landings (July 16, 1969 – December 19, 1972)Over a period of three and a half years, six missions landed on the Moon, with twelve astronauts setting foot on the Moon’s surface. During July 16-24, 1969, Apollo 11 the first successful lunar landing took place. From November 14-24, 1969 Apollo 12 made the first pinpoint lunar landing. During April 11-17, 1970, the Apollo 13 mission became a successful failure, with the astronauts returned safely to earth. Between January 31-February 9, 1971 Apollo 14 was the first successful mission devoted entirely to the scientific exploration of the moon. From July 26-August 7, 1971, Apollo 15 was the first extended scientific expedition, also the first to use the Lunar Rover Vehicle. From April 16-27, 1972 Apollo 16 was the first exploration of the moon's central highlands. From December 7-19, 1972, Apollo 17 was the last, and longest lunar mission. The risks of these missions were phenomenal, especially the first lunar landing. Such a mission, to land on another stellar body, had never been attempted before. The death-defying nature of the major period, the risks associated with the Rahu period, but the inherent strengths associated with other planets, resulted in almost unbelievable success. At the personal level, the astronauts risked their lives and literally all earthly attachments. As such, the stress must have been extraordinary while the resultant glory must have been unimaginable.[3]

Skylab missions (May 14, 1973 - July 24, 1975)During a period of two years, from May 14, 1973 to July 24, 1975, five missions took place involving docking with and resupplying the Space Station and returning astronauts to Earth. During July 15-24, 1975, the joint US-Soviet Apollo-Soyuz Test Project took place. With the Mercury major period having begun in April 1972, the focus on American life turned to initiatives in foreign policy, involving increased communication and cooperation with the former hostile parties, the so-called Détente, or easing of relations.[4] The main reasons were that both the US and Soviet leaders felt the economic burden of the nuclear arms race was unsustainable. While the Soviet economy was stagnating, US government finances were drained by the cost of the Vietnam War and a growing welfare state. This brings out another side of the planet Saturn during its major period, namely the increased focus on the conditions of common people and disadvantaged groups and ways to improve their lot in life. In February 1972, Nixon travelled to China, where he met with Chairman Mao. In May 1972, Nixon and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev began talks to reduce tensions over the massive stockpiles of nuclear bombs and long range missiles.[5] Nixon’s greatest achievement is considered to be the improving relations with the Soviet Union and China. In relation to foreign trips and initiatives by the President, it is of interest that on November 5, 1973, the term "Shuttle Diplomacy" first appeared in the media to describe the foreign trips of US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, to facilitate the cessation of hostilities following the Yom Kippur War.[6] President Ford, at the behest of the US Congress, ended the Vietnam War in 1975.[7] The phasing down of the risky lunar landings and the increased cooperation with the Soviet Union concerning a joint project to develop and go to an orbital Space Station was associated with this larger picture of a thaw in foreign relations. Mercury, the planet of communication, is 3rd lord in the SAMVA USA chart. As such it rules initiatives and short trips. It is placed in the 7th house of foreign policy. The outcome is that the US would have had inititatives in foreign policy field, involving important trips abroad and communication with others to increase cooperation. The influence of the Mercury major period is thus quite clear in this regard*.

ConclusionThe Apollo program was largely a by-product of the Cold War between the USA and the Soviet Union. As such, it represented a determined effort by the USA to overtake the early successes of the Soviet space program during the Space Race.[8] This state of affairs is perfectly explained by the Saturn period in the SAMVA USA chart with Saturn as 8th lord of death in the Cancer rising chart where it also aspects the 2nd lord Sun, giving an impetus to undertake risky or even death-defying acts to gain the upper hand. Due to many other favorable placements in the chart, the difficult efforts succeeded. The shift to the more benign Mercury major period in April 1972 was accompanied by a thaw in relations between these potentially mortal enemies and the conversion of the Apollo program into a joint effort with the Soviets concerning flights to the orbital Space Station.

*) A side note is the story of Bobby Fischer, who battled the Soviet chess master and reigning World Champion, Boris Spassky, for the title in the summer of 1972 in Reykjavik, Iceland. While Fischer felt that the match was a microcosm of the Cold War, the US authorities had moved on with the Mercury major period having begun in the spring of that year. It is likely that he sensed the US government was paying less attention to his achievement for this reason and probably less than he felt warranted. His life-long sense of bitterness over this, which manifested in acts and expressions reflecting outright hostility towards the USA later in his life, may be explained by the fact that he, as a "cold warrior" at a personal level, was not able to reconcile his personal stance to the fundamental geo-political shift that was taking place in the world around him at that time. With the help of the SAMVA USA chart, this dramatic change in the international political climate is now easier to understand.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

The work presented on this blog has one purpose and that is to reveal the benefit of using a true horoscopic astrology. Even with the accurate method of astrology, it is necessary to have an authentic national horoscope in order to explain significant events in a nation's history with astrology or to accurately predict the future events of the national life.

The work presented here is based on authentic national horoscopes, such as the SAMVA USA chart (Perpetual Union) discovered on December 30, 2006. The astrology method is the Systems' Approach (SA) that astrologer & author, V.K. Choudhry has developed since the 1990s and, in turn, is based on the sidereal zodiac of vedic astrology. Importantly, this is the correct zodiac to use. Further, in SA, the visible planets and their placements by sign are interpreted to give the proper meaning of the astral influences. Moroever, the rulership scheme allows us to identify causal influences of planets and houses, both the benefic and malefic influences. In addition, the planetary periods and transits when applied in this proper perspective allow us to understand the nature and timing of signficant events. This comprehenisve approach of horoscopic astrology is an integral part of the ancient knowledge of the Vedas. The modern computer generated horoscope above, presenting the north Indian horoscope format is based on the event when the Perpetual Union of the American States was formed, and represents an ancient design. Interestingly, it is similar to horoscopes used in the medieval European practice, as exemplified by this horoscope drawn by famed astronomer/astrologer Johannes Kepler. While based on a more symbolic representation of the skies, this angular horoscope format makes the reading of the relevant aspects easier than in the modern 360° dial format. The use of the ancient horoscope format in Medieval Europe is one more indication of Western astrology's Hellenistic origins, a form of horoscopic astrology which has been lost in the West as evidenced by the misguided astrological practices there during the modern era, such as: 1) the wrong zodiac being used; 2) an over-emphasis on the Sun-sign; 3) outer, invisible bodies being used; 4) a lack of understanding of functional nature of planets; and finally, 5) the proliferation of techniques to compensate for the lack of interpreative and predictive accuracy, without comprehensive improvement.

A true horoscopic astrology represents a revolution in the practice of astrology in the West, in that it allows us to know the nature and timing of events, in the past, present and future. The material on this blog attempts to demonstrate this.ReferencesJohannes Keplerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannes_Kepler